Nehemiah Chapter 3: A Call for Restoration and Revival

Today, we’re diving into Nehemiah chapter 3. In this chapter, it says, “The remnant that remains from the captivity are in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and the gates have been burned.” This reflects three main themes that run throughout these books: repentance, prayer, and fasting. These are foundational concepts, and we will keep emphasizing them because they are essential to our spiritual journey.

As we reflect on the Book of Ezra, we see it as the book of restoration—restoring the temple and the act of worship. I feel this restoration has also occurred in our community here at City of Destiny. There has been a spiritual revival in this house, and the worship here has been renewed. For the first time in seven years, I don’t leave feeling exhausted or drained. Instead, I go home eager to pray more. Something has shifted in our spirit, and I thank each of you for being part of this.

God is the one who plants and removes, who sets things in order. When there’s divine order, everything falls into place, and we experience ease in our lives. It’s as if we’ve gone through the Book of Ezra in real life, witnessing the restoration of the temple, worship, and the Word of God.

Now, as we turn to Nehemiah, we encounter a unique figure. Nehemiah is not only a spiritual leader but also a political figure—he serves as the cupbearer to the king. He shows us that God uses those in covenant with Him, even outside the realm of temple service. God desires to use His people in all sectors of life: whether in government, the media, education, healthcare, or politics. Nehemiah exemplifies this as he stays faithful to God in a secular environment.

The story of Nehemiah teaches us that God’s covenant people are essential in the rebuilding of cities and nations. Just as Daniel remained faithful despite the king’s decree, and as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith, God calls His people to live without compromise, no matter the challenges.

Even in secular systems, like the Babylonian or Persian empires, God places His people to restore what is broken. In Nehemiah, we witness the reconstruction of Jerusalem and its walls, a project that is completed in just 52 days. This rapid progress occurs because the church has aligned itself with God’s will. When the church gets it right, the city and the nation can also be restored.

In the Book of Esther, we see the theme of preservation. Esther’s story is about God rescuing the nation through His divine intervention, showing that God can raise up a leader at just the right moment for His purpose.

As we move forward, remember Isaiah 61:4, which says, “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the former devastations.” God is calling us to repair the broken cities and the devastation we see in society today. We are witnessing communities in crisis, but God is calling His true, blood-bought church to step in and restore what has been lost. This is about repairing the cities and restoring the lost generations.

I declare in Jesus’ name that we will not lose another generation. We will see the next generation rise up and spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, fulfilling Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”

Get ready to witness the restoration of cities and the revival of generations. Just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls, God is calling us to repair and restore.